PlantaeHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Pinus caribaea
Caribbean Pine
Morelet, 1851
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A fast-growing evergreen coniferous tree reaching 20 to 35 meters in height, occasionally up to 45 meters under optimal conditions. It develops a straight, slender trunk with thick, rough, reddish-brown bark that fissures into irregular square plates. The crown transitions from pyramidal in youth to an open, rounded form at maturity, bearing rigid, dark to yellowish-green needles grouped mostly in fascicles of three.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Tracheophyta
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Pinopsida
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Pinales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Pinaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Pinus
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Morelet, 1851
Record Completeness
66%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Introduced
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Primary Producer
Growth HabitPhysical form and structure of the plant: tree, shrub, herb, vine, epiphyte, aquatic, etc.
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Leaf TypeLeaf characteristics: deciduous (seasonal shed), evergreen, simple, compound, needle-like, etc.
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Flowering SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Native to coastal lowlands, tropical savannas, and pine flatwoods of northern Central America and the Caribbean, typically thriving in acidic, well-drained sandy soils below 800 meters elevation. Extensively introduced and naturalized across tropical regions globally for forestry, timber production, and soil stabilization.Light & Water NeedsSunlight intensity and moisture levels this plant needs to grow and reproduce successfully. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Functions as a dominant pioneer canopy species. It readily colonizes disturbed or degraded grasslands and open savannas, establishing open, light-filled forest structures that rely on low-intensity, periodic fires to clear competing broadleaf hardwood vegetation.Toxicity / UsesToxic compounds present and their documented effects on humans or other organisms. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!Physical Measures
Length (cm)
2000.0 - 4500.0 cm
Reproductive StructuresFlowers, fruits, and seeds — the reproductive organs and their seasonal appearance.
Flower Photos (Max 2)
No imageFruit Photos (Max 2)
No imageEvolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Exhibits moderate to high fire resistance once mature due to its thick, scaly bark plates that protect vital cambium tissues from seasonal brushfires and savanna burns.
Possesses a highly adaptable, deep-penetrating root system capable of altering its structural layout to anchor effectively in infertile, highly leached, or seasonally waterlogged soils.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Vulnerable to severe infestations of bark beetles, notably the southern pine beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis) and Ips calligraphus, which bore into the phloem and can cause high mortality in dense plantation monocultures.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Due to its humid, tropical habitat, the Caribbean pine responds strongly to seasonal rainfall cycles rather than rigid winter periods; it often produces 3 to 4 distinct growth rings per year instead of a single annual ring.